Daniel Update and Video

Laura has been taking care of Daniel and his PICC line from home since the 21st, but I'm sure it seems much longer to Laura who manages his care and his PICC line three times a day. Each time she does an infusion of his antibiotics the process takes an hour - it's a full time job for Laura. Of course Mark and their other sons help as well. Below is some video of the PICC line process.
*Note* Music will play for about two minutes before the video starts.


Daniel continues to have seizures on a regular basis up to three to four times a week. Laura gives him Valium if he has a grand mal for five minutes as soon as the medication is administered the seizure stops. They will see the surgeon on Thursday to check the incision and make the infection is clearing up adequately. Laura is planning also to meet with Daniel's neurologist to discuss other medical options.

Daniel is talking more. He continuously says, "Your welcome, bye bye have a good night." Laura laughed when she told me and said that he is repeating what the Walmart clerk says when they leave.

Please continue to pray for Mark, Laura, Daniel and the whole family as they continue Daniel's treatment at home.

Be there for Someone

Think back over the years of your life and reflect on the people that God has sent your way to love, accept and pray for you through it all. God has especially blessed my life with caring, loving and amazing women. Some of these ladies may not even realize the depth of the impact they have had and continue to have on my life.

Women who loved and accepted me when I felt unlovable. Women who shared their wisdom and directed me to God's Wisdom when my own was lacking. Women who helped me to make the best of my situation. Women who shared their failures and successes with me to encourage me in the journey. Women who allowed me to be me and accepted me just as I was and prayed for me to become the woman God dreams for me to be.

So having been loved much, I want to love others too. I want to share the love God has showered upon me with those I come in contact with on a daily basis. Pray that I see the opportunities before me and do what God leads me to do...

Many years ago, I claimed 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 as my life verse:

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God."

So my challenge to you is to find someone who needs love and acceptance and give them that gift. You never know how your kindness will effect a person's life and possibly the lives of many...

"And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds." ~ Hebrews 10:24

Thank You Jesus for loving me unconditionally and sending some beautiful humans to help me understand how special I am to You. My heart is full of gratitude to these ladies who were channels of Your love to me and please help me to be a vessel of Your love to those around me. Amen!

Daniel is Home!

Daniel was discharged from the hospital yesterday (Thursday) afternoon. Laura had a three hour meeting with the home health nurse yesterday as he went through all of the initial information and trained her how to care for the PICC line and administer Daniel's antibiotic. Laura has to give Daniel his IV antibiotics every eight hours.

Its been a long month for Laura and the whole family. Please continue to pray for them. Pray that Laura is able to get the rest that she needs so she can continue caring for her family and pray God's will in the whole situation!

Thank you so much to all who have shared their love, concern and prayers with this amazing family!

Daniel has his PICC Line

I spoke with Laura a while ago and she said that Daniel got his PICC line with no complications and he is playing happily now. Laura will be instructed on the use and care of the PICC line and hopefully they will all be home tomorrow. A home health nurse will meet them at home and give more direction. The doctors said that Laura's quick identification of the area on his head that is infected kept him from getting a bone infection and/or a brain infection.

Daniel is getting a PICC Line

I just spoke with Mark and Laura and they said that Daniel has to get a PICC line (Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter) tomorrow morning at 9am. They are going to put him under anesthesia to place it. For those of you who are not familiar with a PICC line - it is a flexible tube designed to provide direct access to the bloodstream and can be used for many medical procedures. Daniel will be in the hospital until Thursday or Friday. They anticipate that Daniel will need IV antibiotics from home for about two weeks. A home health nurse will instruct Laura on how to administer the antibiotics and flush his line with Heparin to make sure there are no clots in the line. The medical team is insisting on IV antibiotics to ensure that Daniel doesn't get a brain infection or any kind of infection in the bone.

Please continue praying for Mark, Laura, Daniel and the rest of the family.

Update from Mark and Laura re: Daniel

We called Children's Neuro dept. yesterday, because there was swelling and some blood oozing out of Daniels incision, they said bring him in immediately. Once there, they confirmed an infection and admitted him. They did a CT scan of the head at 1:00 this morning, with the intention of surgically opening the incision back up today, cleaning it out and re-stitching it back up. Providentially, the CT scan showed only a superficial infection which can be treated by antibiotics, and LORD willing, he will be released sometime today once the culture that identifies what type of bacteria we're dealing with, has been returned from the lab.

Continue to pray that God will indeed receive all the glory in all things.
Mark
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I spoke with Laura this morning and she said that Daniel is on two IV full-spectrum antibiotics until the doctors know what is causing the infection and then they can use the specific antibiotic that works best against it.

Daniel is at the Hospital

I just called to check up on Daniel and found out that Mark and Laura took Daniel about one and a half hours ago to the hospital because he has some kind of bump on his incision site. As I get more info I will continue to update.

Please keep Daniel, his family and medical personnel in your prayers as they figure out what to do for Daniel.

For Mark and Laura:
"Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty. This I declare about the LORD: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; He is my God, and I trust Him. For He will rescue you from every trap and protect you from deadly disease. He will cover you with His feathers. He will shelter you with His wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection."
~ Psalm 91:1-4 NLT

Daniel Update

Laura came to church this morning while Mark stayed home with Daniel. He had another seizure early this morning, but Mark and Laura are handling it with grace and peace. This morning in Sunday School Laura testified to standing firm in Jesus. Daniel is their treasure and they are thankful that God has blessed their lives with him - as we all are.

More updates to come. Your continued prayers are appreciated!

Who Cares About Persecuted Christians?

Right now as I sit in the comfort of my house typing, there are Christians being tortured in prisons across the world because of their faith in Jesus Christ. Yesterday I finished reading Pastor Richard Wurmbrand's book, Tortured for Christ and he challenges us in the free world to do something to impact the lives of those who are suffering for their faith and counting it a privilege and joy. That is hard for us to understand, because we complain when our biggest tribulation is a windstorm knocking a shutter off our house (okay that might not be you - but it was me last week).

So what are some ways we can make a difference?

1. Pray and fast for our brothers and sisters. In Pastor Wurmbrand's book he asked why his tongue cried out when his feet were beat - the answer is they are part of the same body. We are part of the body and we should be crying out to God on their behalf.

2. Donating Bibles or money for Bibles through your local church or through Voice of the Martyrs.

3. Donating to programs like World Mission Broadcast so they can share the gospel through radio, television and the internet in the languages of those who need and want God's Word desperately.

4. Write letters to Christians who are currently jailed for their beliefs. This site provides information and will translate parts of your letter into the language of the prisoner. Letters from the West encourage the prisoners to hold on to Jesus and His promises and let them know that their brothers and sisters care.

Voice of the Martyrs suggests that money not be sent to prisoners or their families because VOM has ways to make sure those who need them receive the resources. Money can be donated through Voice of the Martyrs or your local church.

“Remember those in prison as if you were their fellow prisoners, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.” Hebrews 13:3

Friday's Daniel Update

I just spoke with Laura (her phone was out of order yesterday) and she will be giving more of an update later today. They are on the way to the doctor's office with Daniel right now. He had another seizure very early yesterday morning and has broken out with hives from his new medication for seizures.

Laura wants to assure everyone that she and Mark are standing firm in the Lord regardless of what is going on around them and they greatly appreciate your ongoing love and prayers!

Thank you so much!

Daniel's Story - Bring the Rain

Laura sang Bring the Rain by Mercy Me on the Sunday before Daniel's surgery while this video played on the screen. It was a beautiful testimony of God's love.

Daniel Needs Prayer

Please keep Daniel in your prayers. He had a grand mal seizure early this morning. The surgeon said that there was a 15 % chance that he could have more seizures after the surgery. Please pray... more info to come!

Daniel Was in Church Today!

What a surprise we had this morning when Daniel and Laura walked into church together! He looked terrific (as did Laura)! I heard someone saying, "Someone forgot to tell Daniel that he just had surgery." He looked happy and we give God the glory.

Please continue to keep Daniel, Mark and Laura, Nathan and Timothy in your prayers as they continue the rehabilitation process. The whole family works so well together as they love and support each other and Daniel beautifully. They are an example of Jesus in action.

Daniel is HOME!

I spoke with Laura today and she wanted me to let everyone know that Daniel surprised everyone and improved so much that he was able to SKIP going to a rehabilitation center and go straight home. When Laura called Tuesday night she was absolutely thrilled that Daniel sat up on his own for the first time and grabbed her hand and started walking around the room. Since he regained his strength and his balance his doctor cleared him to go home last night. They got home around 9pm and ten minutes after their arrival Daniel's new hospital bed was delivered.

Daniel Home in Bed

Laura said that Daniel has had a good day today and has been directing his own physical therapy program :) and resting a lot. He will have physical and occupational therapy with professionals and other medical treatments to come, but he is doing fabulous!

Mark and Laura want to thank each of you for your continued prayer support during this time! They thank God for the miracles HE has given on Daniel's behalf.

Note

I just logged on to update my blog with Daniel's progress tonight and my music was somehow changed (without my permission) to music I don't know or appreciate, so I removed the music for the time being until I have time to further investigate the situation. I changed my account password and will now do so on a regular basis.

Update:
Music has been added back in, click the button on the right side of the blog to turn it on if you would like to listen.

Daniel

Daniel's Doctor checking in on him

Keep Daniel in Your Prayers

I just spoke with Daniel's dad and he said that Daniel isn't doing as well as the doctors had hoped he would be at this point. They think he is having a difficult time regaining his strength because of the fact that he was such a tiny preemie (born at 22 weeks gestation - 1.4 lbs) and because of his blindness. His surgeon believes some of the problems are due to the fact that he is blind and regaining his balance is more difficult than for a sighted person.

Daniel on his birthday 7-6-97

He did physical therapy twice and occupational therapy once today. He had little energy and was easily exhausted. His medical team is discussing options right now. They are trying to find a rehabilitation center in the Washington DC metro area that will accept his insurance. They want him to have specialized rehabilitation for a couple weeks before returning home.



He has been laughing and playing with his toys. He is able to keep his eyes open, but doesn’t have much strength to do much of anything else after physical therapy. He was wiped out. Daniel’s mom shared that Daniel tried to flip the shower cap off his head today while she was washing his incision and his head. She also gave him a bath in his bed tonight.

It’s challenging for the family to be separated during this time. Please continue to keep Daniel and his family in your prayers as he continues his recovery and rehabilitation.

*10:15 pm Update*

Laura, Daniel's mom called me tonight in tears, tears of joy. She said she wanted to tell me about a miracle! Earlier today Daniel wasn’t even able to hold his head up and at 9:20 pm Daniel sat up in the bed and held his mom’s hand and started walking around the room. Praise the Lord! Please keep praying for Daniel because your prayers are working!

Monday's Update on Daniel

Mark, said, "Laura helped Daniel out of bed for a little while today, he is so weak, he was having trouble holding his head up. He will be starting PT tomorrow. There is even some talk of him coming home tomorrow night, or Weds. morning. Its just talk right now though. He was laughing and said his first word today, to Dr. Yaun..."toy"."



Thank you for your ongoing prayers for Daniel, his doctors and his family.

Random Acts of Kindness

* Note if you are checking for updates on Daniel's recovery keep scrolling down. *

I just found a neat website that could serve as a catalyst for us as we strive show kindness to our fellow man. Check it out! Maybe it will give you an idea you haven't thought of... Do something kind today!

This year Random Acts of Kindness Week is February 11-17. Some ideas from the website are:

* Offer a couple of hours of baby-sitting to parents.
* Treat someone to fresh fruit.
* Pay a compliment at least once a day.
* Transport someone who can’t drive.
* Mow a neighbor’s grass.
* Say something nice to everyone you meet today.
* Give the gift of your smile.
* Tell your children why you love them.
* Write a note to your mother/father and tell them why they are special.
* Write a thank-you note to a mentor or someone who has influenced your life in a positive way.
* Donate time at a senior center.
* Give blood.
* Give another driver your parking spot.
* Give a pair of tickets to a baseball game or concert to a stranger.
* Drop off a plant, cookies, or donuts to the police or fire department.
* Open the door for another person.
* Call an estranged family member.
* Pay for the person behind you in the movie line.
* Give friends and family kindness coupons they can redeem for kind favors.
* Offer to return a shopping cart to the store for someone loading a car.
* Invite someone new over for dinner.
* Write a card of thanks and leave it with your tip. Be sure to be specific in your thanks.
* Let the person behind you in the grocery store go ahead of you in line.
* Buy cold drinks for the people next to you at a ball game.
* Give a bag of groceries to a homeless person.
* As you go about your day, pick up trash.
* Send a gift anonymously to a friend.
* Slip a $20 bill to a person who you know is having financial difficulty.

"Be careful not to do your 'acts of righteousness' before men, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you."
~ Matthew 6:1-4

Not too long ago a kind-hearted Christian couple came by our house and gave us a gift card to use for our Thanksgiving dinner. They said that they were going out of town and didn't have any expense for Thanksgiving this year and wanted to help someone who did. I was humbled and grateful. Later when I thanked the lady of the house for her kindness and the gift card she asked what gift card I was talking about and then said that she had already forgotten and referenced the Scripture above. She and her husband are fine examples of Jesus in action! I want to be like them. I want to be like Jesus!

For information on a book full of kind ideas check out the book Signs of Life at Robin's Reading Room.

If you are here checking for updates for Daniel keep scrolling down to the next post or do a search with his name.

Pictures of Daniel

Daniel's mom Laura is staying with Daniel during his time in the hospital and his dad visits frequently. Here are some pictures of Daniel from February 3. Mark said that Daniel ate and drank yesterday, but he didn't open his eyes much....and went right back to sleep. Please continue to pray for him as he continues his recovery.


A Father's Love - Daniel and his dad

Daniel Resting with his Bear


Daniel and his family appreciate you, your prayers, and your love!

Nathan and Tricia

Please continue to pray for Nathan and Tricia and their precious little Gwyneth. Back in December a friend sent me an email asking me to pray for Nathan and Tricia. Tricia is a Cystic Fibrosis patient with a strong faith in God. Together Nathan and Tricia have had to make some difficult decisions, but didn't worry about what people or medical personnel advised, but instead asked God what He'd have them to do. They are fighting this battle in the strength of the Lord. For a quick recap on their story go to Nathan's blog. Please keep all three of them in your prayers!

Daniel's Journey

Daniel and his mom in 1997

As mentioned in a previous entry, Daniel's mom, Laura sang Bring the Rain on January 27th as a testimony to God while a video of Daniel's journey thus far played in the background. I tried to load the video here, but it didn't work for some reason, so I will use the pictures instead.

Daniel and his dad in 1997


Daniel was born prematurely on Sunday, July 6, 1997 at 22 weeks gestation because there was a tear in the amniotic sac. The sac dropped into the birth canal and since his mother was diagnosed with Group B Strep Daniel had to be delivered early to prevent infection in both mother and baby. He was in NICU for four months in Washington DC.

Daniel in NICU 1997


"For You created my inmost being; You knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from You when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, Your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in Your book before one of them came to be." ~ Psalm 139:13-16

Daniel 10 weeks after birth - September 15, 1997



Because Daniel was born so early he suffers with several disabilities. He was diagnosed with Retinopathy ROP – meaning his retina was detached at birth, which resulted in his blindness. He had a grade 4-brain bleed, which is why he has a seizure disorder and scarring on his temporal lobes. Daniel was also diagnosed with autism a couple years ago and is severely delayed cognitively. Inspite of each of those issues Daniel is a delightful boy who loves to worship and brings a smile to anyone near as he sings about Jesus. He helps us to remember what is really important in life.

Daniel following his baptism with his Dad on July 7, 2007 one day after his tenth birthday.

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." ~ Jeremiah 29:11

Update on Daniel

I just spoke with Mark (Daniel's dad). He and the boys are heading out to the hospital now to visit with Daniel. Laura (Daniel's mom) spent the night with him and plans to stay with him until they bring him home. Daniel is doing well and everything is progressing as expected. He slept peacefully last night and is on Morphine for pain.

Daniel gripping his teddy bear from his Aunt.


Daniel is scheduled for an MRI today at 3pm to make sure the surgical procedure was completed correctly if for some reason they aren't able to do the MRI today they will do it on Monday. They are hoping he will get out of ICU later today.

Laura thanks everyone for their prayers and they are working because Daniel is resting comfortably and Laura said, she hasn't lost it.

Daniel with his brothers, Nathan and Timothy in ICU.

Evening Update:

Daniel had the MRI and everything looked great. The surgeon wanted to make sure everything was as it should be before they removed the a-line.

He will be transferred from ICU to a regular hospital room tonight. Please keep him in your prayers!

Daniel is out of Surgery

Dr. Yaun with Laura immediately following the surgery.



Dr. Yaun checking Daniel's incision after surgery in ICU with Laura.



Thank you to each and everyone of you who have been praying for Daniel today. I just spoke with his brother and he said that Daniel just got out of surgery 20-30 minutes ago and is in recovery. His parents haven't been able to see him yet. Please continue to pray for Mark and Laura and Daniel and the whole family.

Daniel resting peacefully.

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Update from our Pastor's wife:
Robin,

Pastor and I went to the hospital and were able to be with Mark and Laura while Daniel had his operation and according to his Doctor everything is going well and they are pleased. Daniel was still very groggy when we left but was resting peacefully. He was holding on to Laura's hand tightly so we think he was somewhat awake but just couldn't quite open his eyes. Mark and Laura thank everyone for their prayers, and they are still welcomed.

Mary